RAPID CITY, S.D. --- The South Dakota School of Mines women's basketball team open the season strong, earning a convincing win over Waldorf University, 80-52, during the first game of the 2019-20 season at Goodell Gymnasium in Rapid City, South Dakota. It was a non-conference bout.

The 'Rockers wasted little time gaining control, jumping out to a 23-9 advantage after the first quarter and then outscoring the visitors, 21-4 in the second period. SD Mines went into halftime with a 43-13 lead.
The Warriors did outscore SD Miens, 39-36, in the second half, but the damage had already been done as the 'Rockers won the bout by 28 points.

The Hardrockers shot 42.5 percent on the night, cashing in on 31-73 attempts, including 8-22 from three-point range and were 10-17 from the free throw line. SD Mines came down with 43 rebounds in the game, 20 of which were of the offensive variety. The home squad had 17 assists on the night, 13 steals and one blocked shot.

Waldorf finished with a 17-47 performance to shoot 36.2 percent (just three three-point goals), were 15-19 from the foul line, grabbed 32 rebounds, had nine steals and three blocked shots.

Sami Steffeck paced the 'Rockers with 13 points (three three-pointers), one steal and one assist. Anna Haugen had a double-double, grabbing 11 rebounds in the game while scoring 10 points and had two assists and one steal. Melissa Johnstone also had a good night with 11 markers and a rebound.

Michaela Shaklee, Naomi Hidalgo and Ellie Till all contributed with nine points each.